Arbor Acres Retirement Community Executive Chef Jolie Shafer (right below) has been named national Executive Chef of the Year 2024 by the Senior Dining Association (SDA) during its annual conference in Orlando, FL. This is the second year in a row that the dining program at Arbor Acres has received national recognition. In 2023, Director of Dining Arts Erin Perkins (left below) received the national Director of Dining Services of the Year award from SDA.
In presenting this year’s Executive Chef award, SDA cited Shafer’s dedication and innovative approach to elevating the dining experience for Arbor Acres residents over the previous two years, which included dynamic menu changes, engaging resident education programs, and successful collaboration across high-profile community events. Shafer was also recognized for her customer-first mentality, ability to successfully empower her team while setting new standards in the senior living culinary industry.
Shafer’s award brings additional focus to Arbor Acres’ reputation for dining excellence. In 2023, Dining Arts Director Perkins was recognized by SDA for her commitment to customer service and leadership, creation of a successful green initiative to replace disposable take-out containers with reusable ones, introduction of a biannual Dining Showcase where dining staff are given the opportunity to prepare and serve their own signature dishes to residents, and development of an Arbor Acres Dining Playbook given to new residents to help them navigate the dining experience as part of their move-in process.
“We are proud that Jolie and Erin have been recognized for their unwavering commitment to service, excellence and innovation,” said Arbor Acres President & CEO Andrew Applegate. “These national awards reflect our commitment to creating an exceptional workplace where staff feel valued, empowered, and motivated to do their best every day on behalf of our residents and their families.”
